Occurrence of Isarachnanthus (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Ceriantharia) at Ascension Island: a test of hypothesis

Abstract

A theory that an ancient population of Isarachnanthus from the eastern Atlantic originated the current species is discussed. Based on analysis of DNA barcoding and cnidome it was possible to identify some specimens from Ascension Island. These specimens were identified as Isarachnanthus maderensis, since the divergence of DNA barcoding was very small and the cnidome data agreed with published data. This material permitted an enhanced discussion about the origin of this population.